The speciality coffee movement has well and truly gone global and Dubai is no exception. Artisan roasters and speciality coffee labs are popping up all over the city – many under the helm of Aussie/European duo Tom & Serg. With Emirati entrepreneur Ibrahim Al Mallouhi recently opening Espresso Lab to share his passion for coffee too, visitors to Dubai need never go a day without a decent cup of coffee!
Whether you’re craving a Cold Brew, Flat White or just want an Aussie-style brekkie, check out these speciality coffee shops in Dubai that may also teach you a thing or two about coffee.
Tom & Serg
It totally makes sense that Tom & Serg is one of the best places in Dubai to order a Flat White when you consider that Tom is a foodie from Melbourne and Serg is an experienced F&B director from Madrid. Occupying a multi-level industrial space in Al Qouz that looks straight out of Fitzroy, Tom & Serg serve great coffee and an all day brekkie, which includes warm banana bread and salted caramel french toast that’s just yummy.
Find it: 15A Street, Al-Joud Center, Al Qouz, Near ACE Hardware and Burjeel Hospital, Sheikh Zayed Road
Stomping Grounds – Speciality Coffee Hub
Stomping Grounds is a speciality coffee shop and certified coffee training academy. Found in a villa with outdoor seating on Jumeirah 1, the dedicated baristas at Stomping Grounds brew over 14 single origins, all from local roasters Specialty Batch. With more speciality equipment that I knew existed, this is the place to come if you’re a serious coffee lover in need of a Cold Brew.
Find it: Villa 98, 12D Street, Jumeirah 1
The Espresso Lab
The Espresso Lab is the creation of Emirati entrepreneur and certified barista Ibrahim Al Mallouhi. Coffee beans and the coffee making process are treated with the utmost respect here, with every bean supplier having been personally vetted and every cup of coffee served with a glass of sparkling water to cleanse the palette. Located in The Hundred Wellness Centre, the Lab is minimalist yet cosy. Bring coins as it’s cash only.
Find it: The Hundred Wellness Center, 153B Street, Jumeirah 1
The Sum Of Us
Another of clever duo Tom & Serg’s creations is The Sum Of Us, a coffee roastery, cafe and sourdough bakery. (How Aussie is that!?) Coffee, service and general ambiance here is awesome, in a laid back Aussie kind of way. The brunch menu is also impressive, especially dishes like the Buckwheat Crepes, which have an Arabian twist by featuring rose Turkish delight and Iranian fairy floss.
Find it: Ground Floor, Burj al Salam, Trade Centre, 6th Street
Common Grounds
Tom & Serg strike again! At Common Grounds the boys bring their popular speciality coffee and wholesome menu to the hungry shoppers at the Mall Of The Emirates. Their impressive Brew Bar offers Syphon, Aeropess, French Press, Pourover, Cold Drip and more right in the middle of one of Dubai’s iconic malls. (It’s the one with the ski slope in it!) Open late they offer specials such as the Movie Munchies package where you get food, a beverage and movie ticket for 100AED.
Find it: Level 2, Mall of the Emirates
Coffee Museum
Finally, coffee aficionados will love the Coffee Museum in the Al Fahidi Historic District. Featuring interactive exhibits of the coffee making process from around the world, complete with costumed baristas, you can try traditional coffee from Africa, Asia and the Middle East, or settle for something a bit more modern (like a Flat White!) at the cafe upstairs. Entry to the museum is free, you simply pay for whatever brew you sample.
Find it: Villa 44, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Bastakiya
